Biological function, activity and dependency among elderly Sherpa in the Nepal Himalayas

Abstract

This paper considers a model contrasting the aging experience of Western and non-Western populations through consideration of the hypothesized interrelationships among four factors (biological change with age, dependency, family structure and the aging experience) in a non-Western setting. Western views of the contrast in the aging process in Western industrial and traditional pre-industrial societies include the notion that traditional societies manifest relatively slow rates of biological aging, and have extended family structures which accommodate the elderly resulting in few aging problems. On the basis of data deriving from a case study of Sherpas in Helambu, Nepal, the model appears to be an oversimplification and suggestions for revision are offered.